Council Member
Role Description
PURPOSE
The Council represents the Multiple Sclerosis Society and acts under delegated powers from the trustees of the Multiple Sclerosis Society (the ‘UK Society’).
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· To represent the Society’s membership and people affected by MS in their nation and within the governance framework of the Society.
· To act as ambassadors for the Society and its strategy within the Society and externally.
· To promote the Society to maximise fundraising and membership.
· To promote, develop and support volunteers to work with the Society and people with MS
· To contribute to the development of the Society’s strategy and annual plan, including in particular through the identification of any specific national issues
· Promoting communication between members, people affected by MS, staff and the Board of Trustees, for example through holding an open meeting annually for members and others in [country] which members of the Council would be expected to attend.
· To attend council meetings and participate fully by preparing thoroughly, considering carefully the views of others and acting corporately in the best interests of the Society.
· To undertake area network and/or work group responsibilities as appropriate.
· To attend an induction programme and ongoing development programmes.
· To use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the council reach sound decisions.
· To uphold all decisions properly made by the council.
· To maintain appropriate confidentiality, disclose any conflicts of interest and abide by the Society’s code of conduct, policies and procedures at all times and thereby model good governance.
Council Member
Person Specification
To serve as a council member of the MS Society] an individual needs to demonstrate the following skills, abilities and personal qualities:
ESSENTIAL
· The ability to think creatively
· Ability to work effectively as part of a team
· Ability to listen to, read and assimilate information quickly and effectively
· Able to act collectively and not in the interests of one particular group and to reach objective and independent decisions
· An understanding of MS and the effects of living with the condition, together with an appreciation of the work of the MS Society
· An understanding and appreciation of the role of council along with a commitment to attend all meetings and undertake associated work
· The ability to communicate with a wide variety of people and organisations, including the ability or potential to speak at public engagements
· Ability to act as an ambassador for the Society
· Commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity
· Commitment to the time required to fulfil the role